Spicy Margarita (two ways) with Grilled Jalapenos

You know what my problem is? I make absolutely no sense sometimes. Seriously, it’s becoming problematic—or maybe it has been and I’ve been unaware. Just what am I talking about?

Take a look at the pictures. I finally start to become proficient with shooting food and I decide to throw body parts in the mix. Incorporating people into shots isn’t as easy as it seems. Well at least not for me, there are so many things to wrestle with outside of the usual factors like: keeping food the focus, keeping people from looking too posed and/or paused. Then there’s editing—maybe it’s my crappy skills, but getting skin tone right isn’t as easy as it seems.

But everyone has to start somewhere. Lucky for me, Matt was patient enough to sit for this set. Let’s just ignore that I juiced him with a few of the featured drinks, so he really had no choice but to stay seated for a while. (Note to reader: these can be deceptively stronger than they taste. On that note, don’t skip the grilling the jalapeño–it makes the drinks.)

Before we part for the day, and since you aren’t asking (because that’s how I roll), I’ll tell you what I don’t like about the photos with the body parts: they are a little underexposed and the glass is too small for his hands, his skin tone is a bit red. What I do like: the challenge of shooting with people—even it takes me twice as long to shoot and edit. Guess what that means? More practice (heads up, Babe).

Directions:

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix chili powder and coarse salt in a small bowl. Transfer mixture to a small plate. Dip rim of glass in lime juice. Fill glass with ice. Set aside.

Place limeade, grapefruit, strawberries (or cantaloupe) in a cocktail shaker and stir to combine. Mix in tequila, triple sec, lime juice and stir to combine. Add sliced jalapeños and place cocktail shaker lid on top and vigorously shake. Pour over ice and serve.

I think you are being too hard on yourself, and I don’t think they are underexposed. Shooting red and tomatoes is always tricky, then throw skin colour in. I think you did a great job and they make for a new approach in food styling.
Sam

As if a margarita wasn’t tempting enough by itself, seeing it held by a guy with the sexy arm vein thing going on puts it over the edge ;) (I swear I’m not hitting on your husband in this comment, just sayin’)